UNDERSTANDING THE SIGNS OF THE TIMES

Introduction:

Often, when violence and chaos surge in the world, Christians immediately conclude that the end is near. This is because the Bible describes these events as happening during the last days, leading us to believe they are signs of the times. However, throughout history, many generations have believed that the end would come during their lifetime, and some have made life-changing decisions based on this belief. For example, in the early church, the Thessalonians stopped working because they believed the end was near, as addressed by the Apostle Paul in his second letter to them (2 Thessalonians 3:6-12). Similarly, some religious groups today do not see the need for higher education since they believe the world will end soon, which they base on biblical Scripture. Despite this, the world continues to exist. So, perhaps there is a problem with our understanding of Scripture.

A Better Understanding:

It is highly likely that our understanding of the subject of “signs of the times,” the “end times,” or “the second coming” is flawed. This topic has been a challenge for scholars throughout history due to two main reasons. Firstly, the passage of scripture that informs us of the second coming and the signs of the times is complex, and second, there are two critical verses that are open to interpretation. In this writing, I will briefly share some information I discovered on the subject to shed some light on why it is difficult to understand. However, for more detailed information, I will provide sources for your further examination.

To begin with, let’s examine the passage of Scripture that informs us about the subject, which is Matthew 24-25. There are two interpretations of this passage, which we will refer to as “view-1” and “view-2.” View-1 suggests that the second coming of our Lord Jesus is a series of events that will occur over seven plus 1,000 years, including multiple comings, judgments, resurrections, the great tribulation, the rise and fall of the great Antichrist, the Battle of Armageddon, and the millennium. In contrast, view-2 suggests that the second coming of our Lord Jesus is a single multi-faceted event – His coming in glory for judgment. Throughout this discussion, we will refer to these two options as “view-1” and “view-2,” and hopefully, greater clarity will emerge as we progress through the discussion.

Many scholars believe that understanding Matt. 24:1-25:46 hinges on recognizing that Jesus responded to two questions asked by His disciples. Before examining those questions, let us gain some background information to understand what led to these questions. The chapter opens with Jesus and His disciples leaving the temple in Jerusalem. His disciples express their fascination over the temple buildings, but Jesus tells them that the buildings will soon be destroyed (Matt. 24:1-2). The disciples then ask Jesus two questions: “When these things will occur?” and “What signs will accompany His coming at the end of the world”? It is essential to remember that this discourse answers these two questions.

Now, let us examine the passage more closely. Scholars point out that Jesus answers the first question, “When will these things be?” in Matthew 24:4-35, and He is referring to the signs leading up to the destruction of Jerusalem. In Matthew 24:36, Jesus shifts His focus to the second question, “What will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the world?” and states, “But of that day and hour no one knows…” In the verses that follow (Matt. 24:36-25:46), Jesus gives several examples of what the kingdom of heaven (His second coming) will be like, all emphasizing the unexpected nature of His return. His advice is simply to “be ready [watchful] for the Son of Man is coming at an hour when you do not expect Him” (Matthew 24:44).

With that in mind, let us distinguish between the two views of Matthew 24-25. View 1 recognizes that the signs mentioned in Matt 24:4-35 refer to the destruction of Jerusalem, but they believe those signs will reoccur until the second coming (the final judgment). View 1 believes that these disasters and turmoil will repeatedly happen until the final Day of Judgment, which may explain why every generation expects the end of the world to occur during their lifetime. Supporters of this view, however, must stretch and shape the definitions of words in certain “critical passages,” specifically Matthew 16:28, which states “…there are some standing here who shall not taste death till they see the Son of Man coming in His kingdom,” and Matthew 24:34, which states “…this generation will not pass away till all these things take place.”

View 2 acknowledges that Matthew 24:4-35 refers only to the first question the disciples asked, which was about the fall of Jerusalem. They believe that the passage from Matthew 24:36 to Matthew 25:46 solely refers to the second question the disciples asked, which was about Jesus’ second coming. According to this view, 70AD had already fulfilled the signs mentioned in Matthew 24:4-35, before the fall of Jerusalem. Therefore, they have nothing to do with Jesus’ second coming. This view sees Matthew 24:36 as a transitional statement that leads to answering the second question. The following passage from Matthew 24:36 to Matthew 25:46 does not mention any signs that lead to the final judgment. It simply states that Jesus will return at an unexpected time (Matthew 24:44) (NLT).

Conclusion:

Regardless of the view scholars take, they generally agree that Jesus instructed us to “be ready.” This means being vigilant and having the right frame of mind. Instead of obsessing over predicting when the end will occur, it would be more beneficial for believers to concentrate on growing spiritually by embodying the mind of Christ, which involves having an unwavering love for God and our neighbors. Not for our benefit, but to glorify God’s name. Maintaining this frame of mind until the day Jesus comes, means He will praise those who persevere saying, “Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a few things; I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your Lord” (Matthew 25:23). And, “Come, you blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world:…” (Matthew 25:34).

Points for Consideration and Meditation:

Consideration this: One writer stated, “The point of eschatology [the last days] throughout the Bible is to provide encouragement to believers in the witness for Jesus Christ (Matt. 24:14; 1 Cor. 15:58). It is not mentioned to encourage idle speculation or controversy. The reason God grants us a view of the future is to encourage us to witness for Christ and serve Him in the present.” (Nelson’s Dictionary of the Bible, p.352)
Meditate on this: With this in mind, if the Lord Jesus Christ returns today, could you say, “I am ready”?

Additional Reading:

Another interpretation is that Jesus’ prophecy in Matthew 24 has a “double fulfillment.”

It is possible that: Some Standing Here Will Not Taste Death — The Unfolding of Biblical Eschatology